SJNY’s Global Impact
St. Joseph’s University, New York’s history is one of humble beginnings. Initially established as a local college for women in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, the last century has seen SJNY rise to become a nationally recognized institution spanning two campuses with a global influence. In no aspect is this more evident than in the University’s international student body.
Every year students from around the globe attend St. Joseph’s to experience the limitless opportunities offered by the University, as well as life living in New York City. And while some students choose to leave their college years behind them, moving on to new adventures elsewhere, many decide keep to one foot in the door — using their newfound skills and experience to give back to the SJNY Community.
Meet Ben Reeves ’23
Alumnus Ben Reeves ’23 stands as a gleaming example, often returning to his alma mater to advise and inspire the next generation of students and professionals. His willingness to remain a present member of SJNY’s alumni network stems from reflecting on personal triumphs, as well as a deep sense of gratitude instilled in him by the University.
That’s not to mention St. Joseph’s helping Ben navigate what was a dark and uncertain time for the world at large.
Born and raised in New Zealand, a small country of only five million people, the idea of living and learning in a large American city such as New York City was one that immediately enticed a young Ben Reeves. His discipline and competitive spirit fueled both his extracurriculars and academics, giving him a number of options regarding where to attend school.
As he leveraged his college choices before him, Ben also knew that he wanted to continuing playing basketball at the next level. In the end, St. Joseph’s University, New York beat out his alternatives, offering the perfect combination of academics, athletics and location, with a scholarship thrown in to seal the deal.
Life at St. Joe’s
He enrolled in the University, sight unseen, as a business administration major and was surprised to discover that its Brooklyn Campus was small and close-knit, despite the bustling city being just a stone’s throw away. It wouldn’t be long though before Ben learned that the school’s defining trait would become his greatest advantage.
“I really fell in love with the community and the idea of being seen,” Ben said.
Now working as a People and Culture Generalist at The Langham hotel on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, Ben networks with individuals from all backgrounds, especially those who attended larger universities. That said, he feels confident that he would have certainly felt lost in a lecture hall among a sea of students. According to Ben, it’s because of St. Joseph’s intimate community that he feels compelled to give back.
Unprecedented Times
Unfortunately, Ben’s first year at St. Joe’s would be upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing him back to New Zealand under a new wave of academic and financial uncertainty.
From long-distance learning, to limited funded and no longer playing for the Brooklyn Bear’s Basketball team, Ben faced challenges from all directions, but through it all remained adamant in sticking with SJNY during such a turbulent and unprecedented time.
“It ended up being this huge blur in the middle of my degree,” Ben recalls. “I was up at 2 a.m. for online classes and had to have my camera on. But the professors were heartwarming and would reiterate how sympathetic they were to the situation. I continue to thank them because they made that time a lot easier.”
Confronted with new circumstances, Ben knew that he needed to readjust both his academic and career goals. Rather than stay on track and graduate early as he was expected to, Ben elected wait until the spring and dedicated all of his effort to working a full-time internship. That experience would eventually put him on the path to where he is today.
Paying It Forward
Since graduating nearly three ago, Ben has worked at three different hotels, excelled professionally and has had time to reflect on his time and relationship with St. Joseph’s University.
“Being in the position that I’m in, I think it’s come full circle that I see a lot of myself in today’s students. They need a lot of advice and guidance. With everything that I’ve been through, I just align with helping them in the way that people helped me,” he shared.
One of those people include S. Marie Mackey ’84 CSJ, Director of Campus Ministry on the Brooklyn Campus. Ben attributes wanting to pay it forward to all of the guidance and wisdom he received as a student.
A One-of-a-Kind Connection
To this day, Ben remains connected to the SJNY community in any way he can, whether it’s participating in the Brooklyn Campus’ annual Alumni Day basketball game; advising students during an International to Industry event; taking part in an alumni career panel; or volunteering to help the Sisters of St. Joseph during their 375th anniversary.
His unwavering commitment to SJNY is reminiscent of the mission on which University was founded upon and its motto, Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem.”
In addition to all he has done, Ben also delivered this year’s alumni address at the 2026 Toast to the Graduates celebration on the Brooklyn Campus.
“It sounds like the biggest cliché but everything does happen for a reason,” Ben said. “Without me coming to St. Joe’s and meeting the people that I met and everything happening along the way, I wouldn’t be where I am. I’d be somewhere else.”
Ben not only represents SJNY’s bright and highly-involved international student body, but a deep-rooted alumni legacy whose influence goes far beyond the walls of the University.
As a recent graduate and someone who attended college during one of the most formative events in recent history, it speaks volume that Ben continues to carry the name St. Joseph’s with pride. And if his role in strengthening the SJNY community says anything, it is that he is only getting started.
